Port Izabal sits northernmost of the island, perched upon the western coast. With the protection of the Areder Mountains to its back, this small, yet thriving city is responsible for a great portion of Orisia's open-sea trade and fishing economy. Spearheaded by the Countess Raveena, the city saw its renaissance from the Great North’s desolating invasion. As the economy began its recovery and stabilized, the once small city and Port took on the ambitious project of becoming an impressive tourist and naval destination.

Port Izabal currently has a population of 741,894

GEOGRAPHY

Topography

Port Izabal and its area cover the territory of the northwestern part of the Summer Isles that is Orisia including the village of Kainos. Its borders run from the coast of Vortex Bay to the west, to Drakiss in the east, while Coban sits south.

This spread-out, comparatively narrow piece of coastline becomes wider in its northernmost part and develops into the lush hillsides, while the shadowy Areder Mountains loom behind.

Cityscape

The sense of awe never fails to descend when you set eyes on the beauty of the old town. Behold the city’s white limestone streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Ariatic. Be inspired by a walk along the ancient city walls that has protected a civilized, sophisticated monarchy for centuries.

Although the invasion of the Great North horrified the world, the city has bounced back with vigor to enchant visitors again. Marvel at the interplay of light on the old stone buildings; trace the peaks and troughs of Izabal's past in museums replete with art and artifacts; Meander through the charming village of Kainos, infamous for its plantations and gardens; Exhaust yourself climbing up and down narrow lanes of the coastal city walls–then plunge into the azure sea.

Climate

Izabal has a borderline humid subtropical and Mediterranean climate since only one summer month has less than an inch and a half of rainfall which prevents it from being classified as solely humid subtropical or Mediterranean. It has hot, muggy, moderately dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The mountain wind blows cold gusts down the coast between fall and spring, and thundery conditions are common all the year round, even in summer when they interrupt the warm, sunny days. The air temperatures can slightly vary, depending on the area or region. Typically, the fall days are warm with a cool breeze. Winters are among the mildest of any Orisian city, with temperatures that are chilly in the coldest months—however, snow in Izabal is very rare.

Flora and Fauna

The coastline is beautiful, dotted with bays, beaches, steep cliffs and numerous forested areas. The flora of the region is characterized by diversity, but cypress, pine, and olive trees are most dominant. There are numerous vineyards and citrus fruit orchards, including lemons, oranges and tangerines.

There is an abundance of aromatic plants and flowers on the slopes of the hills around Izabal and inland, as well as exotic plants such as palms, agaves and cacti. The Renaissance gardens and parks of the Nova Citadel and its city villas were cultivated and there were once many species of plants from all over the world, brought to the city by Izabal’s sea captains. Part of this botanical plant wealth is preserved in the Kainos Virdian Arboretum that highlights the quaint village.

The beautiful landscape and is home to many animal species, while the Ariatic Ocean hides an endless wealth of riches below. One bird species, the swift, precisely the black swift, is commonly found in the area during the summer and has become a symbol of Izabal.

The black swift is an excellent flier, with a body that is extremely well-adapted to life in the air. It spends the majority of its life in the air: it finds food, mates, collects material for its nest, and it is particularly interesting that it occasionally sleeps while flying. The black swift is a migratory bird that flies in quite late, usually in the first half of Spring.

It is a bird faithful to its native area and it returns to the same place where it was hatched, a lifestyle that many coastal Orisians favor about Izabal, even its ships faithfully return to its harbor home. They are unusually numerous in the historic town centre of Izabal, the Old City, where its vocalizations create a distinctive soundscape. The birds nest in rock crevices, holes in the walls, especially the city walls, or in the roofs of older buildings.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Culture

Because of its geographic position, Izabal represents a blend of different cultural spheres. It has been a crossroad of influences of the western culture and the east ever since the Invasion of the Great North. Raveena’s regency of Izabal was the most significant period of national cultural history, as Izabal saw unprecedented developments in all fields of art and culture.

Economy

With the Port reopened, the trade commerce supports a majority of the economy of the city second to its tourist appeal. With several new businesses flourishing after the city’s renaissance, Izabal boasts a strong and stable economy. Several types of currency flow from every part of the world that Orisia trades with, all of which can be converted to the Orsian coin, though it also accepts the Imperial mint as well.

Major Companies and Institutions

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PARKS AND RECREATION

Landmarks and Monuments

Nova Citadel : The Summer home of Raveena, This superb 16th-century inspired palace is an exquisite combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles beginning with an exquisite Renaissance portico resting on six Corinthian columns. The 1st floor has the sweeping arches of late-Gothic windows and the 2nd-floor windows are in a Renaissance style, with an alcove containing an intricate statue commemorating the Black Queen. Nova Citadel is one of the few buildings in the old city to survive the Great North’s Invasion. Just inside the entrance is the Memorial Room of the Defenders of Izabal, a heartbreaking collection of exquisite, intricate tapestries of those who perished in the Great Invasion

The first floors house the State Archives, a priceless collection of manuscripts dating back to the city’s birth. Though the archives are not open to the public, copies of the most precious and significant pieces are exhibited in a permanent display on the ground floor. The second story is reserved for nobility, royalty, and foreign dignitaries.

Valovi Wellness: “We invite you to experience exclusive exhilarating and rejuvenating treatments in the Port City of Izabal. Awaken your senses and achieve well-being of body and soul.” Situated between the quaint village Kainos and the mountains, Valovi is home to the rejuvenating power of Areder’s hotsprings. Catering to mundane and the supernatural, this sprawling outdoor wellness facility is the gem of Orisian tourism.

Take the trek from the infamous walls of the Port City, through the picturesque Kainos Village, and into Valovi—where you’re welcomed to relax and rediscover yourself. Many of the spa’s healing salves, oils, beauty and medicinal products are made locally, taking advantage of the city’s lush flora. Whether you need an adventure through the lush walkways and gardens that dot the landscape, a day at the spa, time to soak in the hot springs, or seek solace and reflection of your inner self, Valovi is yours to escape to.

Yabbashael, The Capital Cathedral: Often referred to as the city of glass, this grandiose place of worship is a crowning achievement of gothic architecture, and is notably the focal point of worship in the city. Built on a site occupied by earlier churches and, a millennium before that, a temple, the Capital Cathedral began according to the design of and was largely completed by the early Third era. Yabbashael was badly damaged during the Invasion; Raveena carried out extensive renovations and the Cathedral saw its completion in time for the Port reopening.

Yabbashael is known for its sublime balance, though when looking closely, all sorts of minor asymmetrical elements are introduced to avoid monotony, in accordance with standard Gothic practice. These include the slightly altered shapes of each of the three main portals. Inside, the central choir—with its carved wooden stalls and statues representing Sauriel—is noteworthy. The treasury in the southeastern transept contains artwork, liturgical objects and first-class relics. Mass for those who practice the Sitraic Faith are often found here.

Viridian Arboretum: These leafy gardens, southeast of Izabal, are the oldest of their kind and well worth a visit. It was during the Third Era that the Orisian noblesse started to pay extra attention to their gardens. It’s unknown when they planted the first seeds and started the trend, but descendants of the city’s original populace maintained the garden throughout the centuries. The land was eventually taken over by the local academies, which turned it into a public arboretum.

The garden boasts a Renaissance layout, with a set of aesthetically chosen symmetry made with plants and bushes (lavender, rosemary, fuchsia, bougainvillea), while citrus orchards perfume the air. There’s also a maze, a fine palm collection and a gorgeous pond overlooked by a picturesque statue of the Black Queen while rich with white water lilies and dotted with bullfrogs. It’s only partially landscaped, though–quite a bit of it is wonderfully wild.

The Nautilus: Once one of the three primary vessels of the Orisian Naval Fleet, this retired ship was transformed into a traveling restaurant that traverses around the Summer Isles, stopping at Port Izabal to restock its supplies. Featuring coastal cuisine that reflects Izabal’s philosophy on fine-dining, the crew and its small army of chefs are passionate about utilizing Orisia’s local produce, fish and exotic sealife while offering a breathtaking view of the Islands.

Rain or shy, tentacles or sharks, the Nautilus is prepared to offer those on board the experience of a lifetime.

GOVERNMENT

Royal Government

Imperial Government of Orisia: Like all lands within the Summer Isles, the city of Izabal is subject to the imperial edicts of the royal rule. While the city rulers are allowed to police their domains with leniency-- more in line with their own beliefs and views --they are all bound to the will of the imperial family, seeing their will done and that no transgressions be made against their edict.

Local Government

The Venetian Order – A council that presides over the local government affairs of Port Izabal. These five councilmen headed by Raveena are retired military personnel that serve as officials during peacetime. Each member has a legal specialty, from law to the arts to agriculture and industry—each with valuable knowledge and skills to their respective seat. They are all trained to serve as officials of the city, and preside in the courts and justice system within the city.

Military

Port Izabal Navy: The mission of the Port’s Naval Fleet, commonly referred to as the Orisian Navy is to defend the integrity and sovereignty of the Summer Isles, to promote and protect its interest in the surrounding oceans, islands and coast-lands. It carries and organizes the naval defense of the entire Orisian Empire. There are currently nine War Frigates and twenty Sloops, Galleons, and Brigs that dedicate their service to Port Izabal and the Summer Isles. The Orisian Navy fulfils its role by preparing itself and carrying out the following main tasks:

1. Deterring the threat to Orisia by maintaining high level of competence, training and technical quality of its ships

2. Constant control of the Ocean and coast-land and monitoring of foreign warships' movement

3. Strengthening of the safety conditions on the Oceans and preserving the integrity of the maritime borders

4. Assisting allies during peacetime in the event of natural disasters

The Enforcers: Exclusive to Raveena. Many of the original Enforcers from Sigil City followed her to Valucre when she was promoted as their General and later Commander. Enforcers are volunteering Civilians who wished to have basic military and policing training to keep the streets safe.

EDUCATION

The countess has sought to rebuild and enforce the educational institutes of the Port City. As such, she oversaw several naval, technical, religious and academic institutes built to showcase the Black Queen’s importance of a well-rounded education, as well as a nod to the importance of La’Ruta and the worship of the Emperor God.

TRANSPORTATION

Cable Cars: With the invention of the steam turret and pump, the city’s means of transportation increased, namely the use of steam to provide energy to facilitate transportation along the coast from the mountains.

Sloops: The most common boat of the port, these ships are lightly outfitted for defense, and can easily maneuver around larger ships at Sea.

Roads and Walkways: Izabal has constructed several local roads that cascade down from the mountains and stretch all the way towards the coastal shores. The Port’s infamous sea walls are a popular place to navigate along the coast on foot.

Cabs: Transportation in Izabal is chaotic and varied. The most common method is by foot, with pulled cabbies being a close second and forms of magic being the least favorable due to La’Ruta’s unpredictable reaction to other forms of magic.

Private: Personal mounts such as Thestrals, Horses, Dire Beasts, and Wyverns are scattered among the population. Upperclass citizens that can afford larger, personal ships house them in private marinas.

NOTABLE RESIDENTS

Countess Raveena Jhanavi Senaria: A Terran-born Noble of Imperial ancestry, Raveena has been a long-time ally of the Carmine Empire. A rising politician and respected ruler, she is known to rule with a passion tempered by patience and kindness. Firm and fair, she has been well received by the citizens of Port Izabal as their regent, earning respect among her appointed city officials. Resourceful and ambitious, she seeks to usher in prosperity for the Port City, and for Orisia overall.